Ljubljana – the Scenic Capital of the Picturesque Slovenia
Here, in this cozy city of about 300.000 inhabitants, the eastern and western cultures meet, which is not only noticeable in existing examples of fine Italian Baroque and Art Nouveau styles, but also in works by the prominent modernist architect Jože Pleènik who in a holistic way combined the old and the modern.
Attractions
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Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad), a mediaeval castle located at the summit of the hill in the city centre (the castle can be reached by funicular).
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St. Nicholas Cathedral (this old church is now rebuilt in Baroque style).
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Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most) - one of the finest works influenced by Viennese Sezession (Art Nouveau).
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Triple Bridge (Tromostovje), designed by Jože Pleènik.
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The Cooperative Business Bank building (Stavba Zadružne gospodarske banke) in Art Nouveau style, is probably the most famous building in Ljubljana.
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Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers by Francesco Robba.
Leisure, entertainment and night clubs
Each year over 10,000 cultural events take place in Ljubljana; among them a dozen international festivals.
Music clubs – with mostly alternative rock - and concert halls are to be found in Metelkova street.
Restaurants and what to eat
Many trendy cafes are to be found in downtown Ljubljana; first-rate restaurants serve both Balkan cuisine and ethnic food from many places around the world.
Shopping
Since many big shops have moved from the city centre, the BTC City Shopping District in the north has now the major concentration of them. However, in the old town, on Èopova street, you will still find a great number of small shops and boutiques.
Hotels
Ljubljana has extensive top-quality hotel infrastructure. Those looking for alternative forms of accommodation will find B&B, guesthouses, bungalows, and several youth hostels available. The Ljubljana camp site is situated just in the outskirts of the city.
Getting here and getting around
The main international airport Ljubljana Airport (LJU) is located about 26 km/16 mi north of the city and has flights to numerous European destinations.
Ljubljana has fine motorway connections with Venice and Trieste in the south; and Vienna and Graz in the north.
Also railroads provide similar destinations, since Ljubljana railway station is a part of the large network that links Germany with Croatia, as well as the second network linking the city to Vienna or Graz. Italian cities of Genoa and Venice and Hungarian Budapest are also connected to Ljubljana by rail. Slovenian trains are modern, punctual and comfortable.
Ljubljana has a bus network; to get around, one can also rent a bike or use taxi which is quite cheap.
History
Emona, today´s Ljubljana, was a Roman military settlement on the banks of Ljubljanica River. In 14 AD Emona had been upgraded to civilian city, but it was destroyed in the 6th century. The town, called now Laibach, begun to grow again in the end of the12th century. It will soon fall for centuries under control of the Habsburgs.
After the first major earthquake in 1511 the city is rebuilt in Renaissance manner and expands quickly.
The Reformation will be followed by a period of renewed dominance of the Catholic Church and Counter- Reformation. The influential Jesuits invite many foreign architects and sculptors, and Ljubljana turns into a Baroque city.1701 teh first Philharmonic Academy outside Italy is established here. This honorable music association will have many great composers as members.
The second dangerous earthquake comes in 1895 and the city line is altered again during the reconstruction works, leaving however the old town as it was. The Austrian leave Slovenia after the WWI and Ljubljana becomes a part of Yugoslavia. The city gets a new library, national gallery and a university. In the 1930s, the architect Jože Pleènik who strives to combine into a harmonious unity the Romance Baroque and the Germanic Art Nouveau styles gives Ljubljana a new appearance.
The economic prosperity continues after the WWII. 1991, after Yugoslavia dissolves as a state, and Ljubljana becomes the capital of Republic of Slovenia. Slovenia joined the EU in 2004.
Climate & weather
Continental climate. July is the hottest month, January and February the coldest ones. Dry winter and spring, it rains mostly in September and October. The highest average temperature is 24°C / 75°F, the lowest: -4°C / 25°F.
Time zone: UTC (GMT)+1. Daytime saving time (DST) is observed.
Currency: Euro (EUR, €).
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